Foster care plays a vital role in giving animals a safe and nurturing environment while they await reunification with their guardian or placement in a new home. LAPS coordinates care for lost, stray and abandoned animals through its foster network when an owner cannot be found.
When a lost or stray dog is found, our Animal Control Officers’ primary goal is to reunite dogs with their guardians as quickly and safely as possible. Their vehicles serve as mobile offices, equipped to trace dog license tags, scan and track microchips, and identify and trace tattoos. Our team goes above and beyond, knocking on doors, reaching out to community members, monitoring social media posts and more, to ensure every dog makes it safely home.
We’re committed to providing a personalized, attentive service so that no adventurous dog is ever lost or injured while exploring the world outside the safety of their home. Should a guardian not be located, dogs are placed in temporary care through foster care or one of LAPS other housing programs.
When a cat enters the shelter facility our goal is to reunite that cat with their guardians as quicky as possible. All cats who come in under our stray/lost cat program are listed on our website for viewing by the public. Cats are assessed upon entry to the shelter to determine their health and behaviour needs. Cats that require specialized care due to illness, pregnancy, young age, or stress are placed as quickly as possible in trained foster homes to allow the cat to receive the care they need.
n LAPS’ foster care program, animals are placed in the homes of trained LAPS staff or dedicated volunteers, where they receive individualized attention and care. Before becoming a foster, each candidate completes a thorough screening process that includes interviews and home assessments to confirm their home is safe and appropriate for the animals. Many of our foster caregivers work in the animal welfare industry as veterinary professionals, pet finders, animal shelter workers and daycare facility caregivers, adding to their unique skills to care for animals.
Once approved, fosters complete specialized training modules, including use Fear Free® training, defensive dog handling (as applicable), extensive cat/kitten foster training (as applicable) and shelter care practices. This training prepares them to manage a range of behavioural and medical needs in accordance with recognized animal welfare and safety standards.
Ongoing support is provided, with LAPS staff available to answer questions and assist as needed. LAPS staff are on call 24/7 to assist in the event of a medical emergency, ensuring fosters feel supported throughout their experience.
Learn more about how to foster a LAPS animal: https://www.lapsbc.ca/foster/.
Learn more about our work with animals in our FAQs section.